"All children need nature. Not just ones whose parents appreciate nature. Not only those children of a certain economic class or culture or set of abilities. Every child." ~Richard Louv
Keeping a nature journal is a great way to learn more about the world in which we live. A journal allows you to creatively record detailed observations through writing and drawing. These can be kept for future reference, or as a work of art to treasure.
From personal experience, nature journaling significantly boosted my appreciation of the natural world by showing me how important it is to respect and protect the environment. Because everything in life is interconnected, observing nature draws our attention more deeply into the wonder and beauty of it all.
Nature study adds enrichment to homeschool curriculum by enhancing out-of-doors educational adventures, and increasing curiosity for children and adults of all ages. Nature journals make a lovely addition to annual homeschool portfolios and can be added to year by year.
When choosing a nature journal, you will want to pick something sturdy with quality paper. My preference is to use an artist's sketch book with mixed media paper to allow for the use of various mediums. These can be purchased in a range of sizes to suit every age and ability. Pencils, crayons, ink pens, markers, and watercolor paints can be used to create entries and decorate the borders.
Be mindful of your time spent keeping a nature journal and allow creativity to flow. By including poetry, feelings, thoughts, and observations you will make a special record of your experience. Ask questions and explore the process of finding answers. Nature study lays the foundation for science lessons and encourages a lifelong love of learning in the great outdoors.
Allow children to freely draw and write what they see and notice. You'll find they make insightful connections and it is fascinating to watch them grow and learn alongside their journal. I still get goosebumps when I recall my children's tiny fingers wrapped around a pencil as they drew birds, flowers, insects, and wrote about the weather in places we visited. Nature study encourages the power of concentration and the habit of attention.
Green Heron (Butorides virescens)
Here is a list of ideas you may want to consider while creating a uniquely personal nature journal:
- date, location, time of day
- seasons
- weather conditions
- sunrise/sunset, moonrise/moonset times
- low and high tide
- leaf and flower drawings or rubbings
- plants, trees, birds, butterflies, insects
- animal tracks, pine cones, berries
- water features, rocks, fallen trees
- moss, lichen, mushrooms
- poisonous ivy, oak, sumac, and other plants to avoid (keep in mind the rhyme- "leaves of three let them be, hairy vine no friend of mine")
- clouds (stratus, cirrus, cumulus, etc...)
- night sky, constellations, moon phases
- poetry, quotes, feelings, observations
- add prints of photos you take during nature study (macro shots are especially nice)
There are a plethora of hand-size nature identification guides and laminated fold outs available. Region specific field guides can be found in bookstores and online sellers. National Audubon field guides are my preference for practical purposes, this is one item I would not recommend borrowing from the library.
An invaluable resource to keep on hand is The Nature Study Handbook by Anna Botsford Comstock. It's truly a treasure! New copies are available on Christian Book and new or used on Amazon. Also on Amazon are seven full color separate print editions of Anna Comstock's Handbook of Nature Study available in hard and paperback covers Full Color Handbook of Nature Study .
Your own backyard and neighborhood are great places to start exploring the wonders of the natural world.
